Get ready to play! The ribbon is officially cut on the brand new Franklin Elementary Community Schoolyard!

This isn't just any green space; it's a vibrant, adventure-packed wonderland designed by our outstanding students, for our school and our entire neighborhood!

Our Franklin scholars were the lead architects, pouring their brilliant ideas into every corner. Through hands-on design workshops, they brought their dreams to life, creating:
🌳 An awesome nature play area
☀️ An outdoor classroom for learning under the sky
🏀 New recreation spaces for endless fun
🦋 A beautiful pollinator garden to help our buzzing buddies!

Thank you to our incredible partners, Trust for Public Land, for helping us turn this vision into a reality!

about 1 hour ago, Rochester Public Schools
Franklin students got to cut the ribbon for their new playground
Franklin students got to cut the ribbon for their new playground
MN state senator Carla Nelson talks to Franklin students
Franklin student speaks in front of her classmates and media about how the new playground will help her and her classmates grow
Franklin Student poses on the new playground
Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel watches students enjoy the new park
MN state senator Carla Nelson talks with a Franklin student
Franklin Principal Pearson talks to media about the new playground
Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel watches students enjoy the new park
Community members discuss future plans for the playground

To help our students fully engage in their learning, students are encouraged not to bring cell phones or other electronic devices, including smart watches and earbuds/airpods, to school. See more information about our cell phone procedures for each school level at https://rochesterschools.org/cell-phone-procedures

about 9 hours ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS Cell Phone procedures
Calling all past, present, and future Jefferson Elementary families! Save the date to join us for our 75th anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 27 from 3-6 p.m.

Want to share your Jefferson memories with us or volunteer at the event? Learn more at https://jefferson75th.org!
1 day ago, Rochester Public Schools
Jefferson 75th anniversary celebration
Sometimes, knowing what steps to take can be hard when you are worried that your student's emotional or mental well-being might be impacted. RPS families have access to a confidential screener online at http://mentalhealthscreeningtools.com/. If the screener results indicate a reason for concern, or if you want to talk with a provider, schedule a free consultation with a mental health professional (https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/).

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is also available for people experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or thoughts of suicide. You can call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org to connect with trained counselors anytime, 24/7.
7 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
call or text 988
The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s study session is: public hearings for proposal to close Mighty Oaks Early Learning School, Skyline, and Friedell, 2026-2030 Strategic Plan Update, Resolutions for MSBA Delegate Assembly, and Certification of Proposed School District Property Tax Levy Payable 2025.

If you cannot attend in person, you can watch the playback of the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/isd535.

You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.
8 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
School Board Meeting template (5)
We're committed to providing healthy and tasty options for our students. Check out what's cooking for the new school year! 🥗🍕🥕 Find our menus by: • Visiting our website: www.rochesterschools.org/meals and look for the printable menus section or find the menus button on our schools home page. • Checking our school app: You may already use our school app, but you'll find our menus conveniently located there! These menus are updated monthly and help you plan ahead.
13 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
2025-2026 Student Nutrition Information
September is School Board Recognition Month, and we want to recognize the dedicated leaders guiding our district: the Rochester Public Schools School Board members. These elected officials are tasked with making critical decisions—from policy and budget oversight to long-term strategic planning—that directly impact every student.

We encourage our community to stay engaged. Get to know your board members, find meeting dates, and stay updated by visiting our district website: http://rochesterschools.org/school-board
13 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
September is school board recognition month
The first day of preschool is a big milestone, and a little rain didn't stop our families from celebrating! We had so much fun welcoming our newest and youngest learners to the classroom today. We're so excited to see all the amazing things our students will learn and do this year!
14 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Preschool parent with child posing with a first day of preschool sign
Dad and daughter posing outside of Mighty Oaks on the first day of school
Preschool teacher smiling while helping a student get to the door for class
Preschool student wearing their backpack outside of their classroom
Family posing for the first day of preschool outside of Hoover.
Mom taking a photo of their student on the first day of school
Student reading a book before class.
Teacher helping two students to the door for the first day of school.
Family of five posing for photo as they drop off their preschooler.

Rochester Public Schools uses the Standard Response Protocol in response to emergencies that may occur in our school buildings. Students and staff will train, practice, and drill the protocol throughout the year. Learn more about what "hold," "secure," "lockdown," "evacuate," and "shelter" mean: https://www.rochesterschools.org/standard-response-protocol

14 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Standard response protocol list

Friendly reminder: No school on Monday, September 1 (Labor Day)! RPS offices and schools will be closed. We'll resume regular hours on Tuesday, September 2.

15 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Labor Day — No School

RPS families: This is a reminder that except for Longfellow Elementary, there is no school on, Friday, August 29. RPS is also closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we will see you next Tuesday!

19 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
No school reminder for August 29
And just like that, the first day of school is in the books for our elementary schools! It was a day filled with reuniting with friends, meeting new teachers, and settling into the familiar learning rhythm.

Our deepest gratitude to our incredible teachers and staff who worked so hard to ensure our students felt welcomed and supported today. We are honored to be a part of this community and look forward to a positive year ahead.
19 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Group of students smiling at the camera while sitting in a stairwell
Two students smiling at the camera outside the bus
a parent and their child smilng at the camera
Three friends smiling at the camera
Siblings dropping off their youngest sibling at school
A teacher reading to her class
twins wearing matching red bows in their hair on their first day
A parent and their child

It was a rush as our secondary students came through the halls this morning, as the bells rang for the first day of secondary school! The sounds of the lockers closing and laughter made the hallways come alive, and we're so happy you're here!

21 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Student at RALC trying not to laugh while posing for a photo.
Student opening their locker on the first day of school at John Adams Middle School.
Students at Kellogg giving the camera a thumbs up as they get ready for class at their desks.
Student and parent posing for a photo at Century High.
A large group of students posing in front of the school before the first bell rings.
Three students at JA posing for a photo outside of the front doors.
Students smiling at the teacher as they begin class.
Parent and a student posing for a photo at the RALC.
Student at Century ready for class in their desk.
Tune in for Superintendent Pekel's podcast appearance on KROC. This month's important topic is "Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in Rochester Public Schools." Listen to the conversation to learn more about RPS' strategies and goals.

Listen here: https://krocnews.com/rochester-public-schools-superintendent-radio-show/

21 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
The first day of school is always filled with nerves and excitement, especially for students making the jump to a new school! Today, we welcomed back our 6th and 9th grade students across our middle and high schools, along with RAIL and Phoenix Academy students. Follow along as we capture those first-day moments and welcome our students to the 2025-2026 school year! 🍎 📚 🚌
22 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Student getting out of car to head into the school building
Students getting off the school bus for the first day of school.
Student looking back at the camera in class.
Mayo High School teachers posing for a photo for the first day back at school for 6th grade students.
6th grade students walking the hall for a tour.
Students walking through the welcome "gauntlet" of students and staff welcoming them in the Mayo gym.
Student walking in and smiling.
JM band playing at the welcome pep fest.
John adams middle school students walking into class.
Mayo teacher helping student in the gym.
Riverside families: the junction of 6th Street SE & 3rd Avenue SE is currently closed and will remain closed, in some form, until mid-to-late September. To help with traffic, see the attached map.

Drop/Load & Go Zones (7:30-8 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m.):
➡️ Zone 1: Enter the school loop from 6th Street SE (westbound only). Continue through the loop, exit right onto 6th Street, then turn right (northbound) on 4th Avenue SE or left (southbound) away from the school.
➡️ Zone 2: Enter along 5th Street SE. Drop students on the sidewalk beside the school, continue through the parking lot loop, exit back onto 5th Street, and head west, turning right onto 4th Avenue SE.

--
Familias de Riverside, la intersección 6th Street SE & 3rd Avenue SE está cerrada actualmente y permanecerá cerrada, en alguna forma, hasta los mediados-finales de septiembre.

Las zonas para recoger/dejar e irse (7:30-8 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m.):
➡️ Zona 1: Entre a la rotonda escolar desde 6th Street SE (solo hacia el oeste). Continue por la rotonda, salga a la derecha en 6th Street, y luego gire a la derecha (hacia el norte) en 4th Avenue SE, o a la izquierda (hacia el sur), alejándose de la escuela .
➡️ Zone 2: Entre por 5th Street SE. Deje a los estudiantes en la banqueta al lado de la escuela, continue por la rotonda del estacionamiento, salga nuevamente por 5th street, y diríjase hacia oeste, girando a la derecha en 4th Avenue SE.
25 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Detour map in English
Detour map in Spanish

Folwell Elementary families: Due to construction on 2nd Street, there will be increased traffic flow to 6th Street, one of the most common routes to Folwell. But there's a better way! Check out this map with our advised route for the Load & Go line at bit.ly/folwellroute. (Approaching from the south is the key!)

26 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Folwell Traffic Route Map
Folwell preferred map
Welcome, new RPS teachers! We are thrilled to have you on board and hope you enjoyed your onboard training, speakers, and Superintendent Pekel's address. Thank you in advance for fostering inclusion, teaching topics close to your heart, and inspiring the young minds of our students!
27 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Group of new teachers smile and cheer for the winner of rock paper scissors.
At new teacher orientation, the speakers asks an audience member about a time they felt included.
New Rochester Public Schools teacher learns about the strategies of the district.
Superintendent Kent Pekel addresses new teachers in John Marshall High School Cafeteria.
Speakers warmly welcome new teachers to Rochester Public Schools.
Superintendent Kent Pekel addresses new teachers in John Marshall High School Cafeteria.

The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s regular meeting is: 2024-25 Fastbridge Data Analysis and Literacy Plan Update, Superintendent Evaluation for 2024-25 Leadership Component Part 2, School Board Committee Assignments for 2025-26, Back To School 2025-26, Policy Committee Recommendations, and Superintendent Goals for 2025-26.

You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.

29 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular meeting
What a summer! That's a wrap on summer SACC, and what an adventure it's been! Our students and staff had a blast making memories, from epic field trips to fun-filled days. We hope you have a great rest of your summer break, and we can't wait to see you all again in a few short weeks for the school year!
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Students at SACC catching some sun!
Student at SACC showing their experiment
Science Slinkys
Students performing to the song
SACC band performance
Girl clapping to song
Snacks at the pool